John Feeney; verso: Sketches, Two Faces 1919

Curator: Denman Waldo Ross painted this work, entitled "John Feeney; verso: Sketches, Two Faces," but we, unfortunately, have no date. Editor: I’m immediately struck by the sitter’s direct gaze. There's a sensitivity in the brushstrokes that conveys a vulnerability, don't you think? Curator: Absolutely. Ross was deeply involved in the Arts and Crafts movement. Examining his techniques reveals a strong belief in the dignity of labor and the value of handcraftsmanship, even in portraiture. Editor: I see a tension here, between the intimate portrayal of the subject and the constraints placed on male identity at the turn of the century. What narratives of masculinity are at play? Curator: It is interesting to consider how the materials might have been sourced and the implications of artistic production within a specific economic context, as well. Editor: Seeing it this way invites critical reflection, as a portrait beyond representation, speaking to the complexities of identity. Curator: Indeed. The painting prompts us to consider the labor and materials that go into art-making. Editor: A lovely way to see the social implications of portraiture!